Richard J. Ruppert's Obituary
Richard J. Ruppert, age 89, of the Wisconsin Veteran's Home, King, WI, formerly of Fond du Lac, passed away on Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Veteran's Home. Dick was born in Hamilton, Ohio on June 10, 1923, the son of the late Clarence and Henrietta (St. John) Ruppert. On November 3, 1962, Dick married Elsie Treiber in Hamilton, Ohio. Dick enlisted in the US Army in 1942. His service included fighting in campaigns at Normandy (D-Day), Holland (Market Garden), & Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge) with the 101st Airborne Division, 501st PIR, Co. G. His individual awards and citations include a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, Paratrooper Jump Wings with two Combat Stars, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
After the Army, Dick attended Ohio State University obtaining an accounting degree in 1949 and became a CPA. He worked for several companies and firms, including service as the Vice President of Finance for Champion International Corporation before finally settling in Fond du Lac, WI. Dick would say that his most memorable contribution left with us was his valiant defense of his country during World War II. However, the character, responsibility & integrity he showed while raising a family with his wife Elsie and his oldest son by a previous marriage cannot be overlooked. These qualities have forever been instilled in his children and grandchildren. While we are sad at his passing, his death caps a long and fulfilled life with us and the beginning of a new life with our Lord. Dick is survived by his wife: Elsie Ruppert, Fond du Lac, WI; his children: Mark (Julia) Ruppert, Cheyenne, WY, Vince (Mary) Ruppert, Hamilton, OH, Michael (Valerie) Ruppert, Manhattan Beach, CA, MaryAnn (Ken) Schwandt, Brandon, WI, Joe (Kaydee) Ruppert, Menasha, WI, Lynn Glass, Fond du Lac, WI, Amy Ruppert, Fond du Lac, WI, and Matt (Becca) Ruppert, Fond du Lac, WI; his 18 grandchildren: Dennis, Casey, Sarah, John, Michael, Isabella, Jack, Charlie, Paul, Alex, Bethany, Aaron, Zachary, Malique, Miles, Anjolina, Caden, and Jacob; his 6 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Virginia Heyob, Cincinnati, OH. A funeral mass will be held at 4:30 pm, Friday, September 7th, Holy Family Parish-Sacred Heart Church (232 S. Peters Ave. in Fond du Lac, WI.) Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.Memorials should be directed to your local chapter for Disabled American Veterans or the VA (Veterans Home) N2665 County Rd. QQ, King, WI 54946.
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